Bistro Japonais Furusato

Exceptional food and the kindest service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best and most authentic Japanese food in Montreal by far.

I typically order multiple appetizers when I come here, as there is a wonderful variety. I recommend:

- agedashi tofu (the standout menu item, better than any I was able to find in Japan)
- spicy eggplant
- korokke
- grilled fish (especially if the yellowtail cheek is available)

The katsudon is also very good, in large part due to the broth. The broth used here is consistently amazing.

I've been coming to Furusato for over a decade and was devastated when they closed during covid. It's a blessing they've returned and I hope they'll be open forever.

Their sushi chef is currently out due to injury, which is sad, but it does not affect my decision to recommend Furusato at all. It's still the best.

(Selfish comment: It would be great if they expanded the cooked fish options, as it's a unique part of this restaurant... I miss the salted mackerel from the previous location, and miso mackerel would be truly amazing...)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The restaurant is so good ! It's like eating a warm homemade dish ! Very traditionnal and nice experience !

Amazing place, the Sukiyaki is absolute delicious, the waitress was kind and very polite, I would totally come back to eat more here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Undoubtedly one of the most pleasant dining experiences I've ever had in this city. This place, and the people who give it life, are just wonderful!

By far the best Japanese restaurant in Montreal.

Very good, we ordered the Shabu Shabu, it’s a Japanese fondue. Great service, the lady that served us was very nice and patient like when she put all the ingredients in the soup. Very clean bathrooms. Great experience 😊

8.5/10, good fish and rice

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really nice place for authentic sushi!
Simple presentation but everything is excellent. A mention for the super tender fatty tuna makis and the very tasty ginger.
The service is also really friendly and the restaurant is well located.
I recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi Au Thon Gras, Heiwa Thon Épice

This place is a must go. Simple presentation but the food and the staff are amazing.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellence only ❤️ we are so lucky to live near this wonderful bistro.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

You have to go there first.
Unforgettable experience. Price a bit expensive for me, but they are right because everything is 1A quality.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Nigiri Tamago Et Anguille, Ramen Tempura Crevettes, Katsudon, Salade Verte

My son, who regularly frequents this little bistro, introduced me to this place.
There were five of us, so reservations were essential. I had the katsudon bowl, I found it tasty. The other members of the group were delighted by the Yosebabe fondue, ageni eggplant, mackerel and of course the sashimi sushi among other dishes to share.
The service is impeccable in this bistro, the atmosphere is calm and the cuisine is superb, unpretentious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Edited:
Glad to see the response from the owner.
First I am very happy to learn you have the confidence on your food, otherwise situation would get worse.

Second, indeed some of your customers agree with you, and they believe these food worth 8000 yen. I would not say they are wrong, in fact their feelings are right in someway, as your research profoundly demonstrates the extra price is indeed the very cost for they are enjoying genuine Japanese food right here, in Montreal, not in Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto.

Perhaps I should make myself clear when asking that question, and now I may make some small changes. Let’s suppose you were in Osaka, not Montreal, were you willing to spend 8000 yen on the food you present us? You don’t have to answer here. Everyone has the ability to search on Google map for 4.5-star restaurants in Osaka and see the images of their food. I believe the answer to my revised question would be quite clear.

One of your reviews indicates that the best Japanese restaurants are in the East Coast of the States. Then it continues, “Montreal deserves one, but Furusato obviously is not the one”. The reviewer just gives a conclusion but does not elucidate, and my job here is to explain it. In fact I would accept a higher price for a REAL 8000 yen Japanese food, even if it’s 16000 yen on the menu. Why? Cuz high quality food deserves high price. But in your case? I really cannot accept high price for a quite ordinary meal. Just image a regular Tims coffee (2.71CAD/300 yen) sells for 1000 yen(10 CAD) in Osaka. Will you accept it?

Lastly, please, Japan is a REAL developed country, even BETTER than Canada. It’s quite lame to use excuses like “doing business in Canada is harder than Japan “. Japan and Canada are both developed countries, therefore foods and services shall be the same quality for reasonable prices in both countries. I really feel sorry that some words from your response have insulted both Japan and Canada to some extent. I remember your previous site was near Place de Arts, a quite expensive location, but now here? I really cannot imagine you opened business here because you got beating hard by your home competitors.

——————-Origin texts ————————
Put my arguments first,
1. Genuine does not guarantee delicious.
2. If you cannot afford the expenses travelling to Japan but you want to taste the real flavour of a Japanese family restaurant, this is the place for you, but don’t expect too much.

Food is too ordinary but the price is too high. Perhaps the only reason convincing one to pay for an overpriced meal is that their food is not the ready-to-serve factory products, all hand-made by the chef on scene. But I think that’s a great advantage considering most ‘Japanese restaurants ‘ in DT use pre-cooked rubbish to fool customers.

HOWEVER, I FIRMLY believe if Furusato is in Tokyo or Osaka, it won’t survive EVEN ONE DAY. A fine meal in Furusato is worth probably 8000 yen and with this price, one can have a Kaiseki meal (a very very luxurious Japanese meal ) in Osaka, let alone other ordinary meals. Here I got a quick question for the owner of Furusato, are you willing to spend 8000 yen for the food on your menu?

So my conclusion is, Furusato is worth and not worth to try, depends on your ability to travel to Japan.

The vibes are immaculate at this place. on one hand i want them to flourish, but in another i want to gatekeep this local gem all for myself! food are nothing like the japanese commercial you find downtown; everything tastes fresh and authentic. (personal favourite the tofu dish)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Maguro and Salmon Shasimi, Agedashi Tofu, Grilled Mackerel